Sad but true

For progressives, victories are more likely to come in the form of ground not conceded than ground gained. Every day that legislation doesn’t get worse is a day to cherish.

I once heard an activist say that leadership is the process of managing your constituency's disappointment. If that's accurate, then the next few months are going to offer ample opportunities for leadership.

I wonder if something like a reverse trigger could be put in place. I.e., the public option will go into place in 2014 unless strict conditions in the market are met. I know this won't appease the corporatists...

Ezra, when are you going to admit there's nothing good about this bill? The only effect it will have is forcing everybody to pay higher premiums, since there's nothing to control the cost of premiums. And don't give me any of that "tax credit" junk -- that's no help to people living paycheck to paycheck who won't be able to make rent anymore since they have to put money into garbage private insurance.

I don't know why I'm even typing this since you're too good to read your comments anyway.

I knew you would link to Jon Cohn today. If ever there was a column based on fleshed-out White House talking points this is it. He says progressives should celebrate if the bill doesn't too much worse. He says the public option made the bill better and now it is time for it to die. He says it's too much to ask that Dems hold their your caucus together. Blah blah blah.

Truth is this bill is as bad as could be expected given the Democratic hegemony in Washington. It really is terrible. And the verdict from voters beginning next year is going to be merciless.